Team Summit Colorado names new alpine director

By Published On: July 24th, 2015Comments Off on Team Summit Colorado names new alpine director

Team Summit Colorado (TSC) has announced the addition of Greg Needell as its new alpine director and head coach. Needell has extensive experience in the world of alpine ski racing both domestically and internationally.

“I am looking forward to joining Team Summit Colorado and helping the athletes and staff reach new heights,” said Needell. “TSC has a tradition of building programs that help the athletes meet and exceed their goals and expectations. I feel my experience and previous success will shine here, and I am excited to join this team and take advantage of the natural terrain and training venues available here in Summit County.”

The US Ski Team World Cup men's technical event squad at Beaver Creek, CO December 1, 2007.  ©JSelkowitz/SElkoPhoto

Most recently, Needell was the alpine director for the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, where the team placed three athletes on the U.S. Ski Team’s National Training Group (NTG) and had several athletes named to Division 1 collegiate teams.

As an athlete, Needell was a member of the ski team at Stratton Mountain in Vermont. From there he went on to race for St. Lawrence University’s NCAA alpine squad. He returned to Stratton after college to serve as head coach for the men as well as head women’s J2 coach.

Needell has also served as the program director of the Mission Ridge Ski Team in Washington and head coach at Mammoth Mountain in California.

From 2002 through 2009, Needell was a U.S. Ski Team World Cup coach under Head Coach Phil McNichol, helping lead the men’s team – including Bode Miller and Ted Ligety – to 43 wins, 105 podium finishes and 264 top-10 results.  

“We are very excited to have Greg head our alpine ski racing program as we strive to provide world class opportunities for our athletes,” said Jerry Karl, TSC executive director. “He possesses the experience, passion, and energy to lead Team Summit Colorado through this next phase, and he will set a new standard of success for our young athletes as they reach for their dreams.”

Release and photos courtesy of Team Summit Colorado

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